Writers often confuse the adverbs very, too and enough when they are seeking to describe the intensity or degree of something.

Use very when you want to intensify.

Example:          I am very hungry. (Emphasizes how hungry)

                        Patty is a very good girl. (Emphasizes how good)

Use too when you want to indicate also or when you mean more than enough.

Example:         I ate too much candy at the movies. (Indicates more than enough)

Use enough to indicate the right degree or amount needed.

Example:          I have enough money to buy a new coat. (Indicates as much as necessary)

                        The sun was hot enough to cause sun stroke. (Indicates as much as necessary)

Very – adverb used to intensify another adverb, adjective, or expression.

Too – adverb used to indicate more than is needed or wanted; also

Enough – adverb used to indicate as big, as well, as much or as far as necessary

In addition to our own website, we would like to recommend English Grammar and Writing: English language courses, English Grammar Online. You can find the online English Grammar website at http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/ADVERBS7.cfm

Test your knowledge of too, enough and very by selecting the appropriate adverb to use in each sentence.

1. This project is (too/very/enough) hard to complete. (more than wanted)

2. Did you get (too/very/enough) food to eat? (as much as needed)

3. Anita has been a (too/very/enough) good girl this week. (to emphasize)

Answers

1. This project is too hard to complete.

2. Did you get enough food to eat?

3. Anita has been a very good girl this week.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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